Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thomas P. Fallah, appears to be facing pressure to either align with the growing majority bloc of lawmakers opposing Speaker J. Fonati Koffa or risk losing his position as Deputy Speaker.
It is glaring that the political crisis within the House has escalated as 43 lawmakers, led by Nimba County District #5 Representative Samuel Kogar, intensified efforts to oust Speaker Koffa, and now threaten to extend their opposition to Deputy Speaker Fallah.
During a recent interview on OK FM’s Conversation, Rep. Kogar openly warned that if Deputy Speaker Fallah does not side with the majority in removing Speaker Koffa, he, too, could be at risk of losing his leadership role. “If Deputy Speaker Fallah continues to support Speaker Koffa, the majority bloc will not hesitate to target him next,” Kogar stated. This threat highlights the growing divide within the House of Representatives, as opposition lawmakers seek to consolidate their power.
In a formal letter addressed to Deputy Speaker Fallah, the 43 opposing lawmakers invoked House Rule 8.1 and Article 33 of the Liberian Constitution, which allows a simple majority to convene and conduct legislative business.
The letter, signed by Acting Chief Clerk James Toubie on behalf of the majority, informed Fallah of a resolution affirming that Speaker Koffa has lost the trust and confidence of most House members.
The letter reads: “By directive of the majority members of the House of Representatives, we write to inform you of a resolution signed by the majority of lawmakers, which affirms that Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has lost the trust and confidence of the majority of House members.”
The communication further emphasized the invocation of the legislative rules and constitutional provisions that permit the majority to call for a session and transact official business.
The majority bloc’s push to remove Speaker Koffa stems from alleged dissatisfaction with his leadership, particularly concerning issues of governance and accountability.
The lawmakers argue that the Speaker has failed to adequately address their concerns and no longer represents the interests of the majority within the House.
The focus is also shifting to Deputy Speaker Fallah, who must decide whether to stand by Speaker Koffa or align with the majority.
His decision could determine not only his political future but also the stability of the House of Representatives.
